Hokkaido (Hokkaido)

Hokkaido is the northern island of Japan. Hokkaido is full of nature, including world natural heritage site Shiretoko Peninsula, having abundant wildlife of both plants and animals. It’s also famous for fresh seafood including crabs and sea urchins, with many domestic and international tourists visiting the area. In Winter, ski resorts such as Niseko and Furano are crowded by skiers from all over the world seeking powder snow.

Tohoku (Tohoku)

Tohoku region is located on the northern part of Honshu, surrounded by the sea on three sides. Tohoku is famous for beautiful coastlines such as Sanriku coast and Matsushima, and also for its fresh seafood. Hot spring of Tohoku have been health and healing sanitariums for decades, and the rustic hot springs are still very popular. The golden hall of Chusonji in Hiraizumi (a wealthy town 1000years ago) is a masterpiece.

Kanto (Kanto)

Kanto region has Japan’s capital city of Tokyo with a population of over 10 million. It’s surrounded by large cities such as Yokohama and is the most developed region within the country. It has a mix of modern commercial districts such as Shibuya and Roppongi as well as downtown areas of Asakusa. Historical structures of Nikko and spectacular scenery of Mt Fuji from Hakone provides a variety of places to be enjoyed by tourists.

Chubu (Chubu)

Chubu is located in the centre of Japan. A large part of this area is covered by mountains as high as 3000 meters and due to this mountainous landscape, it’s also called the “Japan Alps”. Jigokudani Onsen where the snow monkeys bath in hot springs, the historical streets of Kanazawa and Takayama are all part of the Chubu region.

Kansai (Kansai)

Kansai region includes Kyoto, the most popular tourist destination of Japan. Kyoto was the former capital of Japan, and its history and culture, temples and shrines, and traditional buildings attract both domestic and international tourists. The autumn colors of Kyoto are absolutely amazing. Osaka, the second largest city of Japan is also located in Kinki, and has become the entry point for foreign tourists into Japan alongside Tokyo.

Chugoku (Chugoku)

Chugoku region is located on the western part of Honshu. A popular tourist destination is Hiroshima. Hiroshima is famous for Itsukushima Shrine and floating Torii gates of Miyajima, as well as the A-bomb dome, Peace Park and Museum. One of the highest ranking shrines in Japan - Izumo Taisha, the picturesque town of Kurashiki, and the limestone cave of Akiyoshido are all part of Chugoku region.

Shikoku (Shikoku)

Shikoku consists of as four prefectures and is one of the four islands that make up Japan. Shikoku is famous for the Shimanami Kaido that allows bicycle access across islands of the Seto inlet, the whirl pools of Naruto and Kagawa’s famous shrine, Kotohiragu. In recent years, the pilgrim journey (Ohenro) around the 88 temples scattered across Shikoku has become a popular activity for international travelers.

Kyushu & Okinawa (Kyushu & Okinawa)

Kyushu region is the far west island and its surrounding islands including Okinawa. Kyushu has many places to visit including the largest city Fukuoka, one of the best hotsprings of Japan - Beppu Onsen, and the impressive black colored Kumamoto Castle. Okinawa has the blue sea and colorful coral reefs with a variety of marine life to enjoy.

Floating Garden Observatory (Umeda Sky Building)

Umeda Sky Building

The Umeda Sky Building is a pair of skyscrapers connected in midair. The names of the two are the "Tower East" and "Tower West" which both are 173 meters tall with 40 floors. The building, located in Shin-Umeda City, is a land mark of Osaka and at the very top of it there is a floating garden observatory that enables visitors to look at Osaka from any angle. It is not only popular among tourists but also among couples despite the fact that they are charged an entrance fee.

Although the shop hours in the buildings differ respectively, the floating garden observatory is open from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm. However, it should be noted that the entrance closes at 10:00 pm. Also, the opening hours may change depending on the season and events like New Year and Christmas.

Facility

To reach the entrance of the floating garden observatory, visitors must use the special elevator or escalators that are made to fascinate visitors and allow them to see the wonderful view of Osaka. On the 39th floor, which is also where the entrance is, there is a Chinese restaurant, bar, and café to elegantly enjoy the best food and sights.

At the Umeda Sky Building there are other places to enjoy besides the observatory too. On the first basement level, there is the "Takimi Lane of Restaurants" that imitates the downtown romance of the early Showa Era. There, many Japanese restaurants that serve dishes like Ramen, Kushikatsu, Teppanyaki, Tempura and Sukiyaki are gathered. On the third floor of "Tower East", there is a movie theater which shows famous artistic films from all over the world.

Also at the outdoor space "Wonder Square" which is in between "Tower East" and "Tower West", many festivals, exhibitions, shows, concerts, sales and fairs are conducted by Shin-Umeda City throughout the year.

Access

Train: The nearest station is JR Osaka Station and Umeda Station of the Osaka City Subway, Hankyu Line and Hanshin Line. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the building from either station.

Parking: There is a parking lot available from 5:00 am to 12:00 am. It’s for free when only staying less than 15 minutes, but beyond that the fee is 400 yen for the first hour and 100 yen for each additional 15 minutes. The maximum fee for one day is 1,600 yen. The parking lot for motorcycles costs 500 yen per day.